I shouldn’t feel like I have to cross the street- in a supposedly safe neighborhood, in broad daylight- to avoid the man nearly twice my age who tells me “Hola princessa,” no matter what I’m wearing, but especially when it’s a sweatshirt and sweatpants. I shouldn’t have to avoid going to stand in the back of the bus because there are three teenage boys back there, probably harmless, but I don’t feel like dealing with the possibility that they might harass me while I wait for my stop, because it’s happened before and I’ve learned from my experiences. I shouldn’t have to reject guys who think that the mere fact that I spoke to them entitles them to something more.

The fact that I’m female means my dad insisted I take martial arts classes because he wanted to know I would be able to defend myself in case I ever needed to. I assume this isn’t something most boys are told starting before they ever hit double digits. I’ve been cautioned to be wary around male friends who are under the influence, because more than 2/3 of reported rapes are perpetrated by someone known to the victim. My friends and I let each other know when we get home, because kidnapping, assault, and rape are very real concerns that we deal with every day.

Feminism is important because it strives to provide opportunities for girls that boys have always had, to give women the same rights as men (which in some areas of the world they still don’t have), because it’s working towards for equal pay for equal work. But also because women shouldn’t have to feel like they’re in danger just because they left their house.

Many victims of rape or assault are blamed because it wouldn’t have happened if only “they hadn’t worn that short skirt” or “they hadn’t been so careless.” But blaming the victim is never the answer.

Yes, I take precautions when I go out. I know there are dangers and I do my best to ensure that I won’t fall victim to them. Many women do take precautions, and these things still happen to them.

But the thing is, I SHOULDN’T HAVE TO. I shouldn’t live in fear when I leave my house. I shouldn’t have to worry that I might not make it home. I shouldn’t be expected to accept that “Well, that’s just the way it is, and you have to deal with it.”

I’m not a man hater, and I am not saying that I expect all men to attack me, or that I think that all men believe they are superior to women. But it is something I have to worry about every day. It’s something all women have to worry about, in all areas of the world.

I’m thankful for the feminists who’ve come before me, who paved the way in the United States for women to work, to vote, to own property. By the way, women were not permitted to vote in the U.S. less than one hundred years ago. Does that not strike you as preposterous? In some areas of the world, they still can’t. They are still considered inferior. In my own country, I can expect to be paid only 77% of a man’s salary for the same work. No one may be outright telling me I’m worth less than a man, but that is definitely implying something.

I believe I should be able to leave my house without fear. I should be able to expect equal pay for equal work. I should not expect discrimination in hiring practices because I’m a woman. My opinions, thoughts, and decisions should be just as valid as a man’s.

This is the way things should be, but all too often, they aren’t. And that is why I’m a feminist.

Taco salad (regardless of how almost raw and vegan it is) doesn’t have too much in common with feminism. Except if you don’t love both of them I don’t know what’s wrong with you.

Soak the cashews overnight (kind of optional, but it really works better if you do). Drain, rinse, and blend with the water until you get a cream. The better your blender the smoother it will be, so if you don’t have a high speed blender soaking the cashews will really make a difference.

Cheese Sauce:

1 cans worth of coconut cream

1 tsp powdered mustard

3 tbsp + 1 tsp nutritional yeast

1/4 tsp salt

To get coconut cream: place a can of full fat coconut milk in the fridge at least 12 hours in advance. Carefully remove the top without shaking the can and scoop out the thick cream that’s gathered on the top. Then add all other ingredients and whip with a fork until totally combined.

Lentils:

1 cup dried lentils

2 cups water

Optional: salt, minced garlic, bay leaf, to taste

The great thing about lentils compared to other beans is that they require no soaking, minimizing the amount of planning ahead you have to do. Bring a pot with the water to a boil and in the meantime rinse the lentils. When the water is boiling, add the lentils and reduce it to a low simmer. Cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If needed, add additional water to make sure the lentils are just barely covered.